Hikes to start in April

After a successful Hospital Hiking program last year, the group has put together another one this year with approximately 30 hikes planned starting in mid-April until mid-September. The program is partnered with the Montana Wilderness Association and the Great Burn Study Group with hiking sticks available thanks to Roger Hearst.

They range from easy short hikes to longer, more difficult outings and may incorporate activities such as history, fishing, and huckleberry picking. Shuttles will be available on some of the trips which span into mountains in Mineral and Sanders County, Missoula, and down the Bitterroot. Below is a partial list of hikes with full information available as soon as trips are finalized. People can contact Monte Turner at mturner@mchospital.net for more information.

April 15, Mill Creek (Bitterroot), moderate hike to a waterfall.

April 29, St. Regis River with Jim Goss, 9-miles each way, strenuous, or mountain bike.

May 1, Mullan Road/Point of Rocks, easy 2.4 mile hike near Alberton.

May 9, Yellowstone Trail with local historian, Jim Cyr. Easy hike approximately 1 mile east of Cyr exit.

May 12, 9 a.m. to noon, the Mineral Community Hospital Hikers “Kick-off” with a hike from 11:30 to 1:30 on the Vista Trail which starts near the Superior cemetery with Hal Stearns.

June 14, Sheep Mountain with guide, Jim Goss. A strenuous hike with a 3,700 foot vertical gain to the peak.

June 24, Missoula Elk Winter Range and wildflowers, a 4-mile hike with Bert Lindler and Jay Gore with a tour of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation.

July 10, Ward Peak to an old mine, 3-mile round trip, with two shafts, one above two small lakes.

August 27, Schley Mountain with guide Bert Lindler, 4-miles into the Great Burn Recommended Wilderness area with huckleberry picking.

Sept. 6, Cascade Falls in Sanders County, moderate 7-mile hike.